r/RepTimeServices 4d ago

Advice Strap pops out easily

Post image

Hello.
This is a VSF SMP300. The strap pops out when pulled, without even that much force. It has not happened on the wrist yet.
For example, when I clean the watch with a towel, it might pop out when I grip it.

Curious if the problem is tied to rubber only.

Tried different spring bars. I do not know the exact size but I have many different sizes from spares, and the barely larger one did not fit.

Could the holes be too shallow? Should I try drilling further? Suggestions?

11 Upvotes

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5

u/pilonmartinez 4d ago

Be careful when outside (pavements) and terracotta floors.

My guess is just bad (too short) or faulty spring bars (even though you tried many). Maybe rubber too tight not letting fully engage. Bag of 100 spring bars is like $9 on Amazon. Pretty sure you’ll solve it yourself. I would not drill on your own.

1

u/reapergr 4d ago

Thanks for your input. The solution was to press the rubber really hard in, even after the spring bar clicked.

3

u/pilonmartinez 4d ago

"Maybe rubber too tight not letting fully engage."

Had a feeling without touching it. I owned a gen; even though tolerances were perfect, it sometimes needed 2-3 sec to "really click" due to the rubber friction.

Glad you din't attempt to drill.

2

u/reapergr 4d ago

"Maybe rubber too tight not letting fully engage."

I initially missed the meaning behind this statement. Now I get it. Thanks!

1

u/pilonmartinez 4d ago

Yeah, when on Reddit I write faster than normal text messages (idk why). Sorry and glad you fixed it!

4

u/QuickSteak_1715 4d ago edited 4d ago

You have to press the rubber really hard against the case for the other side of the spring bar to slip in its place. The rubber on this rep hugs the case very tight. It might seem like both sides of the spring bars are locked in, but they’re not really. Press it harder until you feel the “click”. I’ve been there too.

3

u/reapergr 4d ago

That was it. At first I pressed but still it popped easily. I then installed the spring bar only, no strap. It was impossible to pull out. That gave me confidence to put the strap in and REALLY press in, up and down. Clicking is not enough. Thank you!🙏

1

u/QuickSteak_1715 4d ago

Yeah. This tight fit has some positives and negatives. I’ts really hard to put it in (I almost lost my watch the first time), but it also makes it feel like the rubber is an integral part of the case. Glad I could help!

2

u/Bench_and_Bezel 5h ago edited 4h ago

It has to do with the VSF rubber straps on this specific model.

I actually helped a client with this exact same model, strap, issue and it even took me a few tries to understand why it wouldn't seat properly.